Giardiasis is an infection of the digestive organs caused by a protozoan parasite Giardia intensinalis (called Giardia lamblia, or Giardia dudenellis).
Diarrhea is the most common symptom of giardiasis.
Giardiasis is the infection of the upper small intestine caused by the flagellate protozoan Giardia Lamblia (or G. intestinalis). This infection is mainly asymptomatic. However, when symptoms occur, they include acute and/or chronic diarrhea, without blood or pus.
What are the symptoms of giardiasis?
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal Torsion Abdominal Cramps
- Loss of appetite
- Gas Foul-smelling flatulence and belching with the stench
- Nausea (feeling sick)
- Sour belch
- Weight loss caused by malnutrition
- Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
- Dehydration
- Bloating Inflammation
It can also cause vomiting and mild fever (98.6–100.4 F), giardiasis is usually not a serious health hazard and can be easily treated.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you have symptoms of diarrhea, cramps, bloating and nausea that have been present for more than a week.
If the child has diarrhea for two to three days, or if he has had diarrhea six or more in the last 24 hours, contact the doctor.
For the diagnosis of giardiasis, stool samples may have to be sent to the laboratory for testing. More than three specimens may need to be taken for several days to confirm giardiasis.
How to treat giardiasis?
Giardiasis is usually successfully treated with antibiotics that kill the giardia parasite. In most cases, drugs called metronidazole or tinidazole are used.
Metronidazole (Oral):
- Adult and children over 10 years: 2g orally once daily for 3 days OR 400mg 8 hourly for 5 days.
- Children below 10 years: 15mg/kg/day in 3 divided dosing for 5- 7days.
- Indicatively: 1-3 years 500mg/day: 3-7 years 600-800 mg/day; 7-10 years 1g/day for 3 days.
OR
Tinidazole: Adult 2g orally as a single dose during or after the meal. Children 50-75mg/kg body weight as a single dose; Repeat once if necessary.
OR
- Secnidazole (PO) Adult 2g as a single dose.
- Metronidazole, Secnidazole, and Tinidazole should be avoided in the first trimester of pregnancy.
- Reduce dosing to 50% of significant liver disease.
Nausea is the most common side effect of metronidazole. On rare occasions, some people may also feel dizzy or sleepy. If this happens to you, do not use driving or power tools or machinery.
Do not take alcohol for 48 hours while taking metronidazole or tinidazole or finishing your dosage.
If you have giardiasis, treatment may be suggested to other members of your family. This is a precautionary measure.
How giardiasis spreads?
Most people become infected with Giardiasis by drinking water contaminated with Giardia parasites or through direct contact with an infected person.
If the infected person does not wash his hands properly after using the toilet, then handles the food eaten by others, then it will spread the disease to others. If it is washed with infected water, food can become contaminated and infect with parasites when eaten.
Who does affected by giardiasis?/h2>
Giardiasis occurs almost everywhere in the world but is particularly widespread where clean water is less available and poor sanitation.
It can affect people of all ages but it is most common in young children and their parents.
Take care of the following with medicines Home remedies:
- Do not let the water shortage in the body. Do not drink cold water.
- Keep drinking water for a while.
- Drink coconut water.
- Eat thin moong dal khichdi in food, while adding some garlic to it and after cooking, add celery and garlic tempering.
How to avoid Giardiasis Prevention?
- Drink bottled water if you want to drink water outside.
- Do not eat roadside food etc.
- Do not drink dirty water.
- Wash hands thoroughly after using a public toilet.
- Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before and after eating.
- While traveling, try to eat only homemade food.
- Good hygiene, clean water, and eating can prevent stomach diseases.